Month: February 2016

Typically students give their teachers little gifts throughout the year. I got something, well, golden …

Typically students give their teachers little gifts throughout the year. I got something, well, golden …

A VERY excited third-grade girl with a gift for me: “Oooooh Mrs. Kinney. I have something for you. Like an award! It’s a golden present. (She goes to her backpack). It’s a cheeseburger eraser! Just for you!!”Me: “Well, what I’ve always wanted! My life is complete! Thank you. I love it!” (It sits proudly on my desk)

During an indoor recess, as a class we did some yoga and said positive mantras to help with our day.

During an indoor recess, as a class we did some yoga and said positive mantras to help with our day. One student showed me her soft side …Third-grade girl: “Mrs. Kinney (as she places her hand near my heart ), may your life be filled with joy.” ~ Priceless!

Most people I imagine watched the Super Bowl. If you were lucky, you also enjoyed some snacks as well …

Most people I imagine watched the Super Bowl. If you were lucky, you also enjoyed some snacks as well …Third-grade girl (giggling uncontrollably and VERY anxiously): “Mrs. Kinney? Warning. Warning. I went to a Super Bowl party last night (giggle) and had chips and candy, annnnnd (giggle) LOTS AND LOTS of Mountain Dew. I think I’m hyper. (Giggle) I can’t stop. What’s hyper? Crazy? Like out of control? Is that me? Me (trying to keep up): “Um, yep. That’s you!”

While grading, a student left a little note saying “look on back.” She doodled a quite profound picture which speaks volumes about her little 8-year-old character.

While grading, a student left a little note saying “look on back.” She doodled a quite profound picture which speaks volumes about her little 8-year-old character. This is the quote from a random doodle an 8-year-old third grade girl did on the back of her paper: “Be yourself. Don’t listen to other people when they make you feel down.” PRICELESS!!!!

Teaching has its challenges as ANY educator will tell you …I get this response from a third-grade boy I was TRYING to get focused: “I got nothin! My head is empty! I’m telling you, there’s NOTHING in there. I mean Nooooooooo ideas on what to write at all.” (And he hands me his journal with a perfectly fitting note)